MAY 2011 / issue 135 RFU The official newspaper of the TOUCHLINE rfu and Rfuw

Asking England to Choose Rugby

Nick Bull

This Rugby World Cup year will see a significant increase in public interest in our game and opportunities for clubs around the country to open their doors to players, spectators and potential volunteers.

In order to support clubs in their local recruitment activities, Choose Rugby is being launched this summer.

Replacing previous player recruitment campaigns such as Play and Play On, Choose Rugby is a long-term marketing campaign for rugby, which has been developed with the following in mind: • To be a call to action for our game for all participants • To be the identity for all recruitment and retention related programmes • To have longevity, launching this year and building towards our home world cup in 2015

Earlier this year, meetings were held between rugby clubs around the country and their respective Rugby Development Officers. During these meetings, over 200 clubs expressed an interest in introducing touch rugby as part of their overall proposition. These clubs will be provided with support and Choose Rugby marketing resources to launch touch programmes this summer.

Resources to support local recruitment activities in the build up to and during this year’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand will then be made available in July.

The RFU regional teams are currently in the process of contacting clubs and CBs in order to ensure that clubs around the country receive the appropriate levels of support to make the most of this Rugby World Cup Year in order to boost participation levels.

For further information and updates about Choose Rugby, please visit www.rfu.com/chooserugby GPS results reveal elite Join the twickenham Beach Party Laura Brown

rugby performance Sun, sand and sevens will be the name of the game when Twickenham opens its gates to the world’s secrets finest rugby talent for the Emirates Airline London Sevens on Simon Mills Saturday, May 21 and Sunday May 22, 2011. Last year’s superhero themed event saw almost 80,000 fans THE PRELIMINARY findings of a there over the two days and this year promises to be bigger pioneering study using Global Positioning and better for the beach-themed event. System (GPS) technology to investigate the During the Emirates Airline London Sevens there will be demands on players in elite rugby were over 12 hours of side-stepping, break-making, high-octane unveiled recently. Researchers from the rugby as the 16 international teams battle for honours University of Chester collected 304 sets in the penultimate leg of the www.rfu.com/TheGame/ of data from 54 Aviva Premiership Rugby Competitions/LondonSevens/IRBWorldSevensSeries.aspx” matches involving eight top flight clubs in HSBC Sevens World Series. Off the pitch cheerleaders, the season to March 27. crowd competitions, on the spot prizes, bands and big Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, screen entertainment will keep the tempo up and live music Leicester Tigers, London Irish, London around the stadium ensure you’re never far from the action. Wasps, Northampton Saints and Sale On both Saturday and Sunday, sevens fans will also get the Sharks players have worn GPS units chance to compete on the hallowed Twickenham turf in the to provide a range of information for ‘Sevens Surf Challenge’ - a beach-themed obstacle course a PhD study entitled ‘The Demands involving a water slide, a ball pit and a giant zorbing beach of Training and Playing in Elite Rugby ball to win a £250 cash prize! Union’ commissioned by the RFU on With a dedicated family stand, balloon artists and face painters, it’s a great day out for all, so dig out the recommendation of the Professional the flip-flops and sombreros and enjoy the London leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series in style. Great Game Board and part-sponsored by the value tickets are available now starting at just £15 for adults and £5 for U16s - plus £5 off when you English Institute of Sport. purchase 10 or more tickets. To book visit www.rfu.com/tickets. For beach fancy dress inspiration or to find out what other fans are up to, why not join the Continued on page 2… official Emirates Airline London Sevens facebook page: www.facebook.com/LondonSevens

1 HQ NEWS

Continued from page 1… Youth rugby injury rates half The first results from the three-year study were highlighted by Dr Paul Worsfold, Senior Lecturer in Sports and Exercise Sciences, and PhD student Nicola Cahill at the Annual that of senior professionals Professional Rugby Conference at Twickenham Stadium. Dave Barton They show significant differences between six positional groups* in terms of time on pitch, total distance covered, distance covered at low speed run and high speed run, The risk of suffering an injury in a youth rugby maximum speed and average speed. match is considerably lower than that recorded in • Average time on pitch ranges from 75.63mins for front row to senior elite rugby. 91.63mins for inside backs That’s a key finding in the ‘Report on injury risk in • Average distance covered ranges from 4.45km (front row) to English youth rugby’ – a two-season study (2006-07 6.84km (scrum half) & 2007-08) of almost 500 players aged 16 to 18 to • Average distance at Low Speed Run1 ranges from 3.15km (front determine the rate, severity, type and cause of injuries row) to 4.53km (scrum half) and which provides recommendations on how to • Average distance at High Speed Run2 ranges from 0.15km (front reduce the injury risk further. row) to 0.61km (outside backs) Researchers at the University of Bath, commissioned • Maximum speed for the positional groups varies from an average by the RFU in collaboration with the RFU Injured of 23.7kmh (front row) to 30.7kmh (outside backs) Players Foundation, discovered that while the incidence The top individual speed recorded in the 54 matches was of match injuries in the Premiership over the same 36.7kmh (22.8mph) and the greatest distance covered in one period was 87 per 1000 player hours, at the 12 English match was 8.2km (5 miles). Premiership Academies it fell to 44 per 1000 player Dr Worsfold said: “In the past five years, GPS technology hours and within the seven selected rugby schools it has had a significant impact on performance analysis in elite dropped to 35 per 1000 player hours. sport. We can now accurately evaluate the training loads RFU Community Rugby Medical Director Dr Mike England said: injuries; School = 47% of injuries) and joint ligament sprains the and activity profiles of players in competitive situations on “This is the first systematic study of injury at any level of youth most common type of injuries (Academy = 51% of injuries; School the field. The study focuses on the use of GPS in training rugby in England. We now have robust data which shows that, = 39% of injuries). and game performance to establish positional demands, to identify potential injury risk, and to monitor relationships among other things, the injury rates for young players in matches The tackle was the match event most commonly associated with between training, competition and fatigue. are half that of those playing within the senior elite game. match injury for both academy (51% of injuries) and school (58% “We will have collected over 450 sets of GPS match data “This study provides important information for youth rugby of injuries) youth rugby, which agrees with the findings of previous from players by the end of the season. The results of the study studies in senior elite rugby union. coaches, parents and players, and while it generally confirms the will enable individual players to gain information on the Contact-based training activities including attack, defence and view that the risk of injury while playing rugby at this level is physical demands of their specific positions during a match similar to other team contact sports, it provides practical guidance ruck/maul drills resulted in the greatest injury incidence of all situation, and allow them to compare their own performances on areas to focus on to reduce this risk.” training activities. with the averages across Aviva Premiership Rugby. An injury is defined in both of these studies as ‘any injury that Key areas for potential injury reduction: “The findings will help coaches, sport scientists and players prevents a player from taking a full part in all training activities typically Refining coaching practice to optimise player match and training gain an understanding of what elite rugby union players, in planned for that day and/or match play for more than 24 hours’. technique, and schedules from a safety perspective. different playing positions, do within a competitive season. Key findings Developing specific injury prevention (prehabilitation) training This will enable specific training and monitoring programs to be developed for each position to optimise performance Incidence of match injuries approximately half that reported in programmes designed to protect players from high risk injuries. and player safety.” senior elite club rugby union (Academy = 44/1000 player hours; Improving diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for common, Accelerometers in the 5Hz GPS units produce data School = 35/1000 player hours; Premiership = 87/1000 player high risk and recurrent injuries. relating to impacts and body loads on players which will be hours; RWC2007 = 84/1000 player hours). Stuart Potts, Chair of the RFU Schools and Youth Governance investigated in the next stage of the study. Pattern of match injuries (body location and type) similar to that Committee, said: “This valuable piece of work provides both *The six positional groups are: Front row, second row, back row, previously reported for senior elite rugby union, with the lower information and actions to determine and address the injury risk scrum half, inside backs and outside backs. limb being the most common injury location (Academy = 54% of faced by young rugby union players.” ** Low Speed Run < 12kmh, 2 High Speed Run > 18kmh

2-for-1 at Bank Holiday BaaBaas Match

May Bank Holiday weekend sees the chance to buy two £25 tickets for the price of one for the Barbarians’ visit to Twickenham Stadium on Sunday May 29, kick off 2.30pm. The game is part of a Bank Holiday bonanza at Twickenham with the Bill Beaumont Cup after the match and the County Championship Shield preceding it. The BaaBaas game is the first of England’s summer fixtures ahead of the Rugby World Cup and a determined England XV U18s Highs and Lows will be facing an impressive Barbarians side featuring headline Stefan Curtis themselves 17-points adrift at 34-17 with Watson used his explosive pace to its full names from both the northern and southern hemispheres. just ten minutes left on the clock, but clinical effect, dodging several Welsh defenders Recently revealed are two British & Irish Lions legends; Wales England U18 had to settle for second finishing in a frenetic finale ensured a before diving over. flanker Martyn Williams and Ireland prop John Hayes, with well place in the FIRA/AER Championship after memorable victory. Speaking after the competition, Fletcher over 200 international caps between them. They join those losing 17-8 in the final to a well organised First England scored through the lively was full of praise for his young players: “The earlier confirmed including South Africa stars Francois Steyn Ireland side at the Stade Maurice Trelut in Jack Nowell, who touched down for his Wales game showed some of the best rugby and Ruan Pienaar, Australia flanker George Smith and Kiwi Tarbes, France. A solitary try from prop Alec second try of the game. Northampton Saints that any Under 18 team that I’ve coached prop Carl Hayman, and from Europe Italian captain Sergio Hepburn wasn’t enough for John Fletcher’s fly half Will Hooley converted, but England has played,” he said. “The game could have Parisse and France powerhouse Matthieu Bastareaud, England’s side, who fell to just their third defeat in still trailed by ten points. Mark Jennings gone either way, but often when you finish Paul Sackey and Iain Balshaw, both now playing in France. three years. then touched down after a nice side-step games the strongest you come out on top. The manner in which England got to the move freed up a gap for the Sale Sharks Unfortunately against Ireland, they just did Tickets start at £25, which carry the two for one offer -available for a limited time only and the normal RFU final showed real character though, a 38-34 centre, with Hooley again converted to bring the basics better than we did, it’s as simple as terms and conditions apply - from rfu.com/tickets semi-final win against Wales in Auch was England to within three points of Wales. that. More of their players did their job better as dramatic as it comes. England found Then in the last play of the game, Anthony than our players, it’s not that complicated.”

2 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 HQ NEWS Lords Run out for Charity “History is written by the Television presenter Ben Shepherd victors” - Winston Churchill and Transport Minister Mike Penning were among those running out at Twickenham Nicol McLelland in a charity match which saw the Cystic Fibrosis Trust beat the Commons and Lords THE 2011 for the third consecutive year, 55-12. An Churchill Cup estimated £30 000 was raised for the CFT returns to to help them combat one of the UK’s most England as the common life threatening inherited illnesses. host nation look Shepherd, a patron for CF, also scored to retain the one of their nine tries. “It gives me added trophy. pleasure to win today because my brother Now in its ninth was playing for the opposition. I will forever year, the Churchill remind him that I scored against him Cup makes its because he failed to tackle me!” he said.“CF way back from its is a cause very close to my heart. I have lots traditional North of friends who have CF and sadly too many broader understanding of the illness and American base who have passed away with the disease. how they can continue to help. We want for the first time “Through a shared passion of rugby, and people to get on board because we are so since 2007. the opportunity to play at Twickenham, this close to curing this disease and that would Making their event will have given many people a much just be incredible.” competition debut are Tonga and Italy A, who will join England Guinness Club Together Saxons, USA and Canada as well Playing at Twickenham is a dream for any rugby player. GUINNESS® Club Together is as Russia over giving your rugby club the opportunity to bring that dream to life. GUINNESS Club Together offers rugby the two week clubs across the UK the ultimate rugby experience, the chance to play on the pitch at Twickenham tournament Stadium before the Aviva Premiership Final on 28th May 2011. beginning on Last year, Club Together winners Felixstowe RFC won the experience of a lifetime. Following a June 4. With coaching session from Shaun Edwards, two Felixstowe teams took to the famous Twickenham pitch the Rugby World Cup starting in September, Director and a member of the Churchill Cup before the Premiership Final for a game they’ll never forget. For your chance to win this amazing prize this year’s Churchill Cup provides an ideal pre- Executive, said: “With no summer tour for go to www.guinness-clubtogether.com from Monday 28th March 2011. tournament team warm up opportunity for the England this June is a great opportunity to for participants to knock on the selectors’ door to rugby fans to see six quality international teams represent their country in New Zealand. on their doorstep. With England playing Wales RFU Head of Elite Player Development Stuart at Twickenham in an Investec International on Lancaster explained: “It’s a crucial competition August 6 in preparation for the World Cup, there for England Saxons, especially in a World Cup will be plenty of top class action available to the year as it gives Martin Johnson and the other rugby fan.” coaches a look at some players who might force their way into the squad for New Zealand. We Churchill Cup 2011 will look forward to meeting the USA again and Saturday June 4, Sunday June 12, with Tonga joining it will a great opportunity for Franklin’s Gardens Kingsholm the players to benchmark themselves against Italy A vs. Canada, England Saxons vs. teams who will be preparing for and competing 1430 Tonga, 1430 in the World Cup. England Saxons vs. Italy A vs. Russia, 1700 “The home support is going to be crucial USA, 1700 Saturday June 18, through the tournament and in helping us to Wednesday June 8, Sixways retain the trophy. The competition will take Esher Rugby Bowl Final place over some fantastic venues, including Tonga vs. USA, 1730 Plate Final Sixway’s Stadium, Kingholm and Franklin’s Russia vs. Canada, Cup Final Gardens, so it’s a perfect opportunity for rugby 2000 supporters to come watch some International action in the domestic off-season.” To purchase tickets, Paul Vaughan, the RFU’s Business Operations visit www.churchillcuprugby.net

England World Cup 2011 Schedule Confirmed Dave Barton England’s training base schedule August 29: Depart England RUGBY PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION NEW ENGLAND’S training bases for Rugby World Cup 2011 have now been August 31-September 4: Auckland PARTNERSHIP WITH AVIVA confirmed. Following the decision to September 4-September 11: Dunedin The Rugby Players’ Association significant development for the players and the reallocate all matches from Christchurch (RPA) has agreed a four year agreement with RPA as we look to support and educate our because of the impact of the devastating September 11-16: Queenstown leading insurance company, Aviva, to become players on the importance of long term financial February 22 earthquake, the RFU has planning. Our partnership with Aviva will also September 16-25: Dunedin the Official General Insurance and Pension been working with New Zealand 2011 on Partner of the RPA. The partnership extends strengthen the RPA’s Player Development England’s rearranged schedule. September 25 onwards: Auckland Aviva’s reach directly into rugby’s professional Programme, which is designed to individually support, guide and assist our members in their Team manager Martin Johnson said: playing community and underlines their personal and professional development.” “Our thoughts are still with the people England’s pool match schedule comprehensive commitment to the game, from Heather Smith, Head of Sponsorship & CR of Christchurch as they rebuild and we grass roots and youth rugby programmes to the Saturday, September 10 (2030) at Aviva UK, added: “Our new partnership were very much looking forward to being professional game and its players. Argentina v England, Otago Stadium, Dunedin with the RPA is an exciting extension to our based there. When it was confirmed that Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the RPA core sponsorship Aviva Premiership Rugby. would not be possible, we worked with Sunday, September 18 (1800) said: “We are delighted to welcome Aviva as This partnership will have direct and lasting the World Cup organisers on alternative England v Georgia, Otago Stadium, Dunedin a Business Partner of the RPA. This partnership benefits for the players who are at the heart bases and we would like to thank them will deliver a direct link to the players through Saturday, September 24 (1800) of our sponsorship. The players are what make for sorting things as quickly as possible a range of general motor, travel and household England v Romania, Otago Stadium, Dunedin the game on the field what it is – exciting, given the circumstances. We feel that the products, as well as a bespoke industry wide compelling and entertaining. We are looking schedule, which now sees us starting off in Saturday, October 1 (2030) Pension product catering for the specific forward to working with them off field in a way Auckland, is the best one for us.” England v Scotland, Eden Park, Auckland needs of professional rugby players. This is a that will make a real difference.”

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 3 COMMUNITY RUGBY RBS RUGBYFORCE TRANSFORMS RUGBY CLUB RBS RugbyForce, the Rugby Football Foundation, nationwide community volunteer four additional clubs: Wallsend programme for UK and Irish RFC, Rugeley RFC, Mitcham rugby clubs, has awarded RFC and Bristol Saracens will Wortley RUFC in West Yorkshire receive a secondary support an enhanced support package, package of £1,250 to assist with support worth £5,000 to with their renovation. Leroy help improve their facilities. Angel, Chairman, Rugby The Royal Bank of Scotland Football Foundation, said: “RBS (RBS), title sponsor of the RBS 6 RugbyForce is building on the Nations, created RBS RugbyForce work of the Rugby Football three years ago to encourage Foundation and therefore we Chichester’s After an excellent start, with relatively communities to come together are delighted to assist the easy wins in their first two games, the bad and give something back to their programme and help the four Champions weather disrupted the rugby calendar, local rugby club by volunteering clubs make the necessary Tom Somerville giving the boys time to develop their game to undertake the necessary not only within the club but improvements.” and continue their fitness drive. Thrown improvements. The programme within their community and RBS has supported the first Chichester U14s may have entered into back to back fixtures; they came out has seen a phenomenal rise in that’s absolutely pivotal to RBS 100 clubs to register with packs the 2010/11 season with some trepidation triumphant in four more games, scoring the number of club registrations RugbyForce. Wortley RUFC is a that include volunteer T-shirts after last season suffering relegation from over 200 points overall, without conceding year on year. fantastic example of a club who, and funding towards DIY the West Sussex ‘A’ league. But the boys a point. They now approached the final Wortley was one of 231 with the kick-start this award equipment and BBQ sustenance not only won all of their West Sussex ‘B’ game with the potential to become the English rugby clubs who brings, can leave a lasting legacy for volunteers on the day. RBS league matches but had a clean sheet in first Chichester team to win every game in registered for the programme to their community and bring joy will also be providing tips and all seven games! a season without conceding. in 2011, each submitting a 500 for years to come”. planning documents on budgeting, At the beginning of this season it looked With the local press reporting each game word proposal for club project David Webb, RBS Head of organising resources and raising doubtful that Chichester would have an and the club buzzing, a large crowd turned work planned for the official RBS Group Brand and Marketing, local awareness for the RBS U14s team, many players having left. out for the league finale, Chichester had RugbyForce Weekend on 11th said: “Rugby is at the heart of RugbyForce weekend projects. But thanks to the work of team coach already won the league but were keen to and 12th June. the communities of the winning Local branch staff members Dale Hudson, whose son Sam plays in keep a clean-sheet. With time running out The official panel of judges clubs and we are confident that are also being enlisted to help the team, and other committed parents a and 24-0 a nail-biting last five-minutes included Ieuan Evans, Jason the renovation work will not strengthen the volunteer forces as recruitment drive at local schools swelled saw them camped on their own 5 metre Leonard and Andy Nicol as well only benefit the clubs but the part of RBS’s existing community squad numbers. Training sessions were line before stealing the ball and booting as Rugby World editor Paul regions in which they are based. volunteering programme. overhauled, starting with the basics and the it into touch. The team, parents and club Morgan, BBC Sport Director Matt For the clubs it is now time to squad showed great commitment members literally jumped for joy. Griffiths and Head of RBS Brand rally their communities and we The RBS RugbyForce toolkit is and Marketing David Webb. would urge everyone in these online, so clubs can easily access Jason Leonard said, “This areas to get in touch with the all the information they need. Pocklington Pocket RFU Support year’s decisions were harder clubs over the next month to see At www.rbs.co.uk/rugbyforce Tony Simpson than ever. The winning clubs how you can join in and help on Click on the ‘Tools’ tab to find really demonstrated the impact 11th and 12th June.” the tools to help clubs plan their POCKLINGTON RFC’s recently opened new £300,000 that the award would have Thanks to the support of the weekend. changing room extension is a major success for the Percy Road club. Before the formal opening, the club learned that the project and the fund-raising for it had earned recognition via a runner up spot in the RFU President’s Awards, supported by QBE, in which over 300 community club rugby projects were considered. Bumble Bees get Opening honours were performed by RFU Past President, Robert Horner, who first played rugby at Pocklington School in the 1940s, and Yorkshire RFU Past President, Norman Coates, joined by a number of civic dignitaries. Pocklington U10s got the action underway with a curtain raiser that saw them beat local rivals Driffield 20-5 and Pocklington 1st XV capped a Owen Buzzing marvellous afternoon by beating Leodiensian 37-10 cementing their place at the top of Yorkshire Two. The new complex comprises six changing rooms, a physio suite, a new kitchen and club shop. With Tony Simpson players was one of the most my enjoyable grant and loan aid from the RFU and the Rugby Football Foundation, the fund raising to pay off the times in rugby union and it was quite an balance of the building works continues. More bricks were sold for a commemorative wall and an JOHN Owen, Immediate Past- emotional experience. What the club has evening race night made a further contribution. President of the RFU, found a recent done is absolutely magnificent and if ever visit to Bradford & Bingley RUFC to hand an award was richly deserved, this is it.” over the President’s XV Award in the The Bumbles Barbarians was formed U16s Easter are and how we want to play,” Stanlake Social Inclusion category a rewarding after rugby fan Anthony asked a course said.”It’s a reflection of the strength we have. experience. tutor why he wasn’t The people who have stepped up. have taken the Excellence “The President’s able to get a game opportunities to express themselves. It’s also a Paul Bolton XV Awards, anywhere when he credit to the squad for helping them settle in even supported by QBE, was already a ball at the last moment. They are very supportive of England Under 16s coach Phil all have a human boy. The team began each other.” Stanlake praised the strength of English rugby at interest component training sessions with Having struggled to subdue a powerful Italy that age group after his side’s successful Easter but some are very the help of the RFU pack at Macclesfield, where fly half David Buck special and the international programme. England followed up a and the Bradford and scored all their points, England produced a Social Inclusion 16-6 victory over Italy Under 17s at Macclesfield Bingley club agreed to complete team performance at Fylde. Winger section is one of with a superb 31-10 win over Wales Under 16s at give them a home. Colin Dickson and centre Daniel Spencer-Tonks them. Bradford & Fylde which left Stanlake purring with delight. Over 50% of the scored two tries each at Fylde in a performance Bingley’s creation But Stanlake was quick to acknowledge the 20-strong squad contribution that the players involved in two other that won high praise from Stanlake. of the Bumble Bees have Learning England sides – Reds and Blues – involved in the “The mission was for the boys to express team is a terrific Disabilities and/or Wellington Festival made to his team’s success. themselves and play to the best of their ability and initiative and I Physical Disabilities “There is talent throughout the side, I am not I think we saw that today,” he said. “We had a hope that it acts as and it is the only going to single anybody out because it was a shaky first five minutes but after that we put our a beacon for similar mixed ability team in total performance from many players out there,” stamp on the game and we did it very, very well. projects. It was a England. The team he said. “It’s a credit to the game that exists at pleasure to meet has both able bodied Under 16 level to have that quality performance Anthony Brooke, as well as the two teams that have been playing whose enthusiasm players and those at Wellington. I have to credit those players inspired other who have a range of because they made these players as good as they people at Wagon physical and mental are by pushing them so hard.” Lane. Their problems, and plays Two players, lock Tom Ellis (Millfield School and enthusiasm is full contact rugby Somerset) and number eight Dan Grange (Ilkley tremendous and an within a managed GS, Ilkley RFC, Leeds Carnegie Academy and inspiration to all environment. The Yorkshire) were promoted from the England Reds who play and coach highlight of their side and played their part in the Fylde success. alongside them,” inaugural season Ellis also played against Italy. said John. John Owen presents President’s XV trophy to was a trip to Llanelli “That’s a reflection of the system that players “Spending an Anthony Brooke Warriors and a game can step up. Players are aware what the processes afternoon with the at Parc y Scarlets. photo courtesy of KlickPhoto

4 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 COMMUNITY RUGBY Sharks’ Wirral Reward West Midlands MLD festival a huge success WIRRAL RUFC Under 12s were put through their paces recently Paul Bolton 11-16, enjoyed four by a trio of Premiership Rugby players from Sale Sharks after the expert coaching club was announced as one of the winners of the QBE Rugby Pro Two Rivers School stations delivered by competition. from Tamworth and RFU CRCs, with help Sean Cox, Will Cliff and Lee Imiolek were at Wirral after the club Rigby Hall School from the community collected a prize awarded to innovative clubs who demonstrated from Bromsgrove team at RFU how they contribute to improving their local community. The judges were representing the Championship club were particularly impressed by the hard work shown by the Wirral West Midlands in the Worcester Warriors. coaches and their efforts to promote the sport within local schools national finals of the The teams then split to increase participation levels. Moderate Learning into two separate The training session was followed by a chance for youngsters and Difficulties (MLD) events each with five club members to meet the players. In addition, the club received Tag Rugby Festival teams. £1,000 worth of training equipment. Will Cliff, Sale Sharks scrum at Stoke Mandeville The inclusive half, said: “I think that QBE Rugby Pro is a fantastic initiative and I this month, having event was for those am delighted that Wirral has won. It’s great that the club is actively progressed from the that just wanted to promoting the sport of rugby in the area and that we have the second West Midlands have fun, socialise opportunity to pass on some specialist advice to the youngsters.” festival staged at and perhaps hadn’t Ten rugby clubs from across the UK were awarded runners up Bromsgrove’s Finstall had a lot of tag prizes of £1,000 worth of training kit, including training balls, post Park ground which rugby experience. protectors, match balls, training tops, water bottles, kit bag, bibs built on last year’s The games were and cones; essentials for grassroots rugby clubs. inaugural event. refereed with great empathy which ensured all pupils QBE Rugby Pro is part of QBE’s Developing Talent programme, The national finals are the showcase event for the three- of many ability levels, got involved. For those wanting which sees the business insurer encourage development of the game day Festival of Sport run by the English Federation of to compete for the right to represent the West Midlands at a grassroots level and supports QBE employees through rugby. Disability Sport. The West Midlands festival more than at the RFU’s National MLD tag rugby finals, there was a doubled in size with a broader representation from all more serious parallel competitive event which proved corners of the region. Mixed gender teams with a total to be a close contest with Two Rivers winning all their of 120 pupils with moderate learning difficulties aged matches. Rigby Hall came second.

Manchester Sevens Bournemouth Sevens Festival SUMMER OF Growing in popularity now established In its fourth year now this event leads the SEVENS HEAVEN as a Midlands must make event. seekers of sun, sevens and surf to the South Broughton Park RFC Coast, now the worlds’ largest multi sport event mixing sevens, netball and music. With the main XV-a-side season Friday 13th – Sunday 15th May Bournemouth RFC reaching its end, summer signals www.manchesterrugby7s.com the start of the sevens season. Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May www.bournemouthsevens.com Events have already taken place Caldy Sevens from Dorchester’s Lychett Minster A fiesta of rugby, cheerleaders and a Rugby Rocks to Rosslyn Park under floodlights. Brazilian carnival party atmosphere. Sevens and chart topping bands, what As we look forward to the London Caldy RFC, Sunday 29th May more do you want. The Athletic Ground Sevens leg of the HSBC World www.pitchero.com/clubs/caldy Richmon RFC, Saturday 4th & 5th June Jason helps Youngsters Sevens Series at Twickenham on www.rugbyrocks7s.com 21st & 22nd May and the Middlesex Essex Charity Sevens Prepare for Challenge Church Charity Sevens Tournament Charity Sevens on 9th July, below is Great event dedicated to the Wooden The world famous ‘The Church’ is hosting a Wooden Spoon, a sample of those summer sevens Spoon. Romford & Gidea Park RFC Hawaiian themed sports day all for charity. the children’s charity of that may just tempt you to dust off Saturday 18th June Barn Elms, Saturday 18th June rugby, and J P Morgan your boots. www.pitchero.com/clubs/essexcharity7 www.thechurch.co.uk/charity_sports_day Asset Management teamed up to provide disadvantaged youngsters North East Sat. 21st May .... Bridlington RUFC with the chance to take Sat. 4th June ..... Driffield RUFC on the best rugby playing & Yorkshire schools at the National Sat. 2nd July ...... University of Hull Schools 7s tournament. Jason Leonard OBE, Spoon’s Lead Sevens Circuit Sat. 9th July ...... Scarborough RUFC Ambassador, helped the Spoon U16s boys team make their final preparations at a training session at the London Scottish RFC. A veritable feast of sevens To find out more about sevens or The talented youngsters, teaming up for the first time at the for the North. Four competitions where more events are being played tournament, were carefully selected from Spoon community spread over the region – teams are see www.rfu.com/sevens and if you projects across the country working in close partnership with encouraged to take part in all four to are running a sevens event please the RFU and Premiership Rugby. Ian McPherson, Assistant accumulate points to find the Sevens remember to let us know by emailing Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, joined forces with Champions of the North. [email protected] Bill Hill, Wooden Spoon CEO, at the training session delivered by Simon Amor, London Scottish RFC Head Coach and former Caldy 7s Goes England 7s Captain, supported by Rory Greenslade-Jones of RFU. Commando! Jason Leonard OBE said, “The fact that these lads have come Yorkshire Playing Fair as far as being in a position to play in an event such as the Tony Simpson “Following the coaching sessions, Caldy Rugby Club proud home National Schools 7s is great. Most of them had not picked up a Springfield took on a team from of the longest continuous running rugby rugby ball before working with Spoon. But the point for me is SPRINGFIELD Pupil Referral Unit Kettlethorpe High School at rugby sevens competition in the country, on not really if they win, it’s more about showing they can work in Wakefield recently took part in sevens.” said Springfield’s Tony Philips: Sunday 29th May has an exciting addition as a team and for their mates. The character they show and the the RFU’s Fair Play scheme and the input of “The Springfield team have been to this year’s event. experience they gain in facing this challenge together will help the Central Yorkshire Rugby Development coached by RFU Community Rugby The ‘Caldy 7s Go Commando Challenge’ their personal development.” Team who have been working with the Coaches Kris Stafford and John Dudley staged by corporate team-building Ian McPherson, Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan teenagers has struck a chord. and though beaten, the lads were specialist ‘Go Commando’ brings a Police said, “Rugby is a fantastic sport which provides Children’s charity Wooden Spoon has 100% committed against a physically strongman battle as well as more of opportunities for youngsters from some of the most challenging teamed up with Barclays Spaces for Sports, bigger squad and gave a good account an all-round Highland Games feel to areas of the country to experience a different part of life. the RFU and Enterprise Education Trust of themselves. The team entered this already very popular Bank Holiday Rugby enables the Met to engage with youngsters in the local to launch a series of eight-week schemes another mini tournament where their weekend rugby tournament. community and support them by providing an alternative, aimed at changing the attitudes and lives training again stood them in good The Caldy 7s go Commando Challenge diverting them away from anti-social behaviour and crime.” of more than 2,400 ‘at risk’ youngsters, stead as they held much bigger teams requires teams of 4 to compete against Wooden Spoon CEO, Bill Hill added, “Spoon community either in or on the edge of the criminal to close games and scored more organisations such as the police, fire, programmes are aimed at some of the hardest to reach and justice system through exclusion from well-worked tries.” military, strength and conditioning gyms, most disaffected youth in our society, our aim is to engage school. The aim is to use the spirit and The FairPlay project is set to be the martial arts and boxing gyms and rugby them in the sport of rugby, assist them to gain educational values of rugby to help disadvantaged largest ever national social inclusion clubs, completing 7 challenges including qualifications and help them seek employment or re-enter young people with a dovetailed programme that the RFU have ever all the strong man favourites. mainstream education so that they can raise their aspiration programme that involves coaching both delivered. 120 local schemes will be For more info or to enter a team and contribution to society.” life skills and rugby skills. delivered over the 18 month period. contact Jane Corlett on 07747 842 144 or email [email protected]

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 5 CLUBS

Fuerteventura Discovers Rugby Southwold Beach Sevens

It’s the time of year to start planning your great British beach holiday! This year’s Southwold Beach Sevens runs from Friday 22nd July to Sunday July 24th with over 50 men’s and women’s teams involved. Food will be provided all weekend, the bar will be bigger and better and sanitation facilities have been improved. The weekend kicks off with a warm-up party on the Friday night followed by beach rugby on Saturday, with the Big Bash in the evening. To enter a team costs £100, with both parties and use of facilities £25 per head. For more information email Nina [email protected] Perfect Pitch Tony Simpson groundsman, with offers of advice Mahoh is the ancient word a lack of funding or facilities, on pitch maintenance in tandem for Majorero, the inhabitants often finding it difficult to even TWICKENHAM groundsman with Funding & Facilities Manager of the Canary Island get a pitch to train and play on. Keith Kent and his pristine pitch for the North, Ted Mitchell, who Fuerteventura, a paradise of With no rugby tradition in the at headquarters ensure that the supplemented the guidance with long white-sand beaches. area, it’s difficult for them to former custodian of another world- information on what help is In the summer of 2005 six convince the authorities that famous playing area, Old Trafford, available. Dinnington, Doncaster, Majoreros got together to there’s a need to paint lines is treated with some reverence by Barnsley, Stocksbridge, Sheffield start Club de Rugby Mahoh, for rugby pitches or to acquire the people who know a thing or Tigers and Wortley were on Fuerteventura’s first rugby uprights. Often it’s a case of two about grass roots. Keith’s itinerary, his visit to the team. Since then, they have using football goalposts and But Keith’s willingness to spread latter club being especially timely Trunkers Trophy competed in the Liga Canaria relying on the ref to determine the principles of sound husbandry as they are the England RBS de Rugby, regularly coming in whether a kick has won to all corners of the RFU adds to RugbyForce club of the year and High Wycombe RUFC’s club dinner was second, in the Copa Canaria points.They are surprised by his impact. This was clear from a may have a few bob to invest a sparkling affair with rugby stars in attendance de Rugby, again twice runners the development rugby has recent visits to six South Yorkshire in their own grass roots in the but none more bright than the memory of the up and in the Campeonato de experienced in just six years, clubs and chats with each near future. late Peter Trunkfield. A new award was made in Seven de Canarias, winning in with 20 players in 2005 they now memory of the former President of the RFU and a 2009 and runners up last year. have some 80, 15 of them girls. legend within Buckinghamshire Rugby. With the This little club has built If anyone can offer help, permission of Mrs Pat Trunkfield, the Trunkers the foundations for rugby in advice, or is interested in Trophy will be awarded annually by High Wycombe Fuerteventura. In 2006 they coaching or touring they would for “exceptional services to rugby union”. started a Rugby School which love to hear from you. Just The first ever award was made by club President, toured around the island, with email lesley-anne handley at Bill Page, to Don Dickerson (right), Club Secretary the young Mahohs team born [email protected] or for the last 33 years, for his service to the club. in 2008 and winning the U20 Miguel Gil, Director of Rugby, Don makes the club tick and guests rose as one to Canary Championship in 09/10 at [email protected] honour him for his efforts. At the Kingsmead Road and 10/11. Just remember those long sell out event keeping guests entertained were Ben They have done all this despite sandy beaches! Kay, Dave Walder and Peter Scrivener.

North Mids New part of the coaching team at Herefordshire club Luctonians where he began his career. Stop the Front Page! Coaching Team The 32-year-old was capped by England Weymouth RFC recently presented Paul Bolton Students during his time with Moseley and RFU VIP ties to Idris Martin, Dorset and toured Australia with the senior England side Wilts press secretary for many years, and North Midlands have appointed former in 2006. Bemand forms a new coaching team Julian Oddy, long-serving club Treasurer. Harlequins, Leicester Tigers and Bath scrum half with former Moseley hooker Dan Protherough. They are both great role models for those Scott Bemand as their new head coach for this They replace Alan Hubbleday and Richard receiving Young Volunteer awards: Robyn season’s campaign in the County Championship Henwood, who have stepped down because of Parker and Rebecca Hunter, who have Bill Beaumont Cup Second Division. Bemand, who work commitments though Hubbleday, the RFU’s both been a constant help around the club retired from senior rugby at the end of last season Coach Development Officer, will act as mentor and themselves. after a distinguished Premiership career, is now to the new coaching team.

Farnham minis enjoy sun, sea, sand and South Wales Hugh Godwin

Over the weekend of April 9/10, no less than 687 tourists from Farnham RUFC crossed the border for what the Surrey club famous for bringing Jonny Wilkinson through in the game described as “one of the biggest and best ever mini rugby tours.” South Gower RFC and Dunvant RFC were excellent hosts and organised over a hundred matches for hundreds of players between six and 12 years old competing for 16 clubs in glorious sunshine. From fairy cakes decorated with the Farnham logo to the home crowd bursting into a chorus of ‘Bread of Heaven’ to the realisation that Welsh laws for mini rugby are completely different, several generations shared their passion for the game. Graham Watson, Farnham’s Mini Tour Chairman, said: “I would like to thank our hosts and all the teams for making this outstanding community rugby experience possible. We were overwhelmed by the competitive, yet friendly spirit of all the clubs. It was great to see the children loving every minute, cheered on by parents, siblings and grandparents. One of the highlights was the Saturday night visit to the Vale resort, home to the Welsh Rugby Union Centre of Excellence. Although there were some great individual rugby performances during the tour, the real winner was the community spirit on show by players and supporters.”

6 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 CLUBS Thurrock Touching in Pink for Charity Tom Somerville

Thurrock RFC, from Essex, have raised over £1000 for the Breakthrough breast cancer charity, with fund raising events, including kitting out their 1st XV in pink shirts. They are now inviting you and your club to the final event of the year; a mixed touch rugby tournament on June 25th. The touch tournament is open to anyone from 1st XVs to vets and fcolts to ladies, and will be seven-a-side with 10 squad members, including two women. It is £5 per player, which includes a free burger, and there will be a bbq, hog roast and evening entertainment. Camping £5 with full use of club facilities. Thurrock have staged two quiz nights, a race night, a halloween party, a Club Vice Presidents Lunch, and an U12s tri- tournament for charity. So please come along to the touch tournament to boost their fundraising finale! Contact Mercedes Foy on 07835194357.

Silloth Storming Back day for Billy at this JAPAN EARTHQUAKE Billy Drops By season’s Calcutta Cup Six RELIEF 10s Silloth RUFC in West Jimmy has been involved with Nations Championship Tony Simpson at Consett RUFC, when Cumbria, founded in 1880, hit Silloth for 37 years, starting as game, where he was delivering one of his London Japanese RFC and Belsize problems in recent times with a a as a 15 year old winger and Keith’s personal guest. TWICKENHAM ground maintenance Park RFC pooled their resources to stage a lack of players and volunteers covering every role from player/ This was Billy’s first groundsman Keith Kent seminars. The pair struck 10s tournament in aid of the Japan Society and for three years only played coach to treasurer. The team visit to The Smoke and met Billy Hislop, the up a friendship which of London Tohoku Earthquake Relief Fund. friendly fixtures. This season, plays in the centre of the town it included; a trip to 63-year-old groundsman resulted in a memorable Belsize Park stage an annual 10s but lost however, not only have they at the Jim Brough Memorial Buckingham Palace, a the use of their ground for the event this rejoined the Cumbria league Park, named after a player who pitch inspection with year and were pleased to accommodate but they were sitting near the represented Silloth and England Keith, a hands-on viewing London Japanese’s suggestion of holding top at the time of writing. in 1924. of the Calcutta Cup and the tournament at the Richmond Athletic So close to folding on several “Team captain Phil Scott a string of introductions Ground in aid of the Relief Fund. occasions, hopes are now high has been fundamental in to luminaries like Rob Twelve sides from around London were with a great bunch of players, getting a team out regularly Andrew, Scotland hooker joined by several hundred spectators, the majority from the town with again. Without his hard work Ross Ford, a friend from illustrating the strong support for those a population of just over 3,000. and that of Dave Allen and the Borders, Scotland affected by the disaster. Tournament Silloth epitomises the small rural Donald Pape I believe we may manager Andy Robinson organiser Saburo Takahashi said, ‘It was club and has encountered and have folded,” says Jimmy. and BBC pundit Jill a fantastic and very emotional occasion overcome the problems that “He is a product of the Douglas. – we are so grateful for all the players, affect them. development squad of the late “It astonished me how spectators and sponsors for supporting Says Chairman Jimmy Lettice 90s. We spend our time and many people knew Billy the event and raising over £3,000 for “It is brilliant to turn a team resources promoting the club through his connections the Earthquake Relief Fund’. The main out again. Our players are a to the 16 and17 year olds as in rugby and farming in competition was won by a strong Kew close knit bunch. We have a a no pressure , play and enjoy the Borders,” said his Occasionals side, the Plate by Haringey father and son in the front row atmosphere. travelling companion Rhinos and the Bowl by Wasps Amateurs. Colin and Dan Yeoman and “RFU Development Officer Mark Swinney, Hon three brothers who play for us Liam Nicholls and Community Treasurer at Consett. Jack, Kevin and Ricky Robinson. Coach Trevor Richardson have Billy is retiring this One player, Rodney Morten, has also been a massive help. year his idea of time off eight-year-old triplets who can’t Their work is vital to rugby is being at agricultural wait to join the junior section in Cumbria. We have also shows around the and play for Silloth. Two of had support from clubs like UK where he is a my brothers, George and Paul, Ambleside, Cockermouth and well recognised as a have played for Silloth as have Wigton, opponents on the Judge for the Suffolk two nephews Ryan and Mark pitch but great friends and Keith and Billy Hislop at pitchside Sheep Society. Orchard. Mark still plays and is supporters off it.” first team coach.”

senior and came relatively quickly after he had performed a similar task in Dublin. b I L L’ s b Oys On that occasion he presented Sam and the other players from Tony Simpson the England Counties XV with his cap after he had made his debut against the Ulster Bank A CLASSIC shot for the Club International Team at Old Belvedere RFC. family album as Josh (left), By coincidence, two former England Sam and dad Bill line-up Counties players were on the score-sheet with the National Two North at Ansdell, with wingman Oliver Brennand League trophy after Fylde’s crossing five times and England Sevens man handsome 76-14 win over Mick Royle on the other flank also scoring. Hull Ionians at Ansdell. Another Counties man, lock Paul Arnold, Given the commitment of also earned a mention in despatches when the Beaumont family to Fylde he contributed to a hugely-popular finale rugby down the years, being by resisting the temptation to use Jason invited to present the trophy Robinson as a foil and instead unselfishly to his elder son Sam, the Fylde supplying the pass that allowed the former captain, was a clearly a source England and British Lions player to of huge pride for Beaumont scamper home.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 7 Schools

Festival and the Preparatory Schools Competition was won by Atmosphere Bromsgrove School with 27-0 at National against Bedford School. Schools 7s The the Open and Girls finals were played in glorious With a new sponsor in HSBC, weather on the Friday, with the Rosslyn Park National Filton College defeating Schools 7s Tournament saw Hartpury College by 14-5. Wellington College win the The Girls contest was won Festival for the tenth time after by Hartpury, having beaten an all Berkshire final against Moulton College 24-12. Eton College, in the fianle for Teams from Denmark, the first time. Romania, Kenya and Spain Tonbridge School, last year’s competed and several Festival winners, won the Colts international came along (U16) Tournament, defeating adding to to the general Dulwich 19-5. London Oratory festival atmosphere. Trophies ran out victors over Whitgift were presented by the Minister School (19-0) in the Juniors for Sport, Hugh Robertson MP.

Whitgift retain U18 Cup Whitgift School scored five tries as they became only in front at 16-10, but a converted try from his former England the fourth school to win the U18 Daily Mail RBS Cup for two colleague Charlie Walker after a clean break and sidestepping consecutive years, overcoming a plucky Oakham School 45-24 in finish saw Oakham take a 17-16 lead with half an hour the Twickenham final. remaining. Olly Dickerson opened the scoring after five minutes following a Whitgift regained the lead through full back Chris Crane.. Special Event break by centre Sam Cooke, with England U20 international Elliot Another three points from Daly initiated a period that saw Tony Simpson Daly kicking the conversion followed by a monster penalty from the Londoners register 24 points in a quarter of an hour, as a inside his own half to increase Whitgift’s lead to 10 points. short-range, burrowing try from hooker Simon Hugkulstone, THIRTEEN schools and 130 youngsters made the tournament for On 22 minutes Oakham centre De La Rey Veenendaal released an opportunistic effort from captain Tommy Nicholls and a youngsters with special educational needs from the SportsSpecial winger Sam Tipper after a scrum deep inside Whitgift territory. 50-metre dash from replacement George Smith ensured that and Ebor School Sports Partnerships at Harrogate Rugby Union Club They drew level as Veenendaal sliced through the defence from a Whitgift would take the trophy back to South Croydon. Oakham a record-breaking and enjoyable day. scrum on the halfway line to touch down in the corner. grabbed a consolation score just before the final whistle through Three separate competitions included: a full contact sevens Penalties either side of half time from Daly edged Whitgift back Veenendaal, a try that Walker converted. event, a tag rugby tournament and a combined coaching/mini tag section. All schools were offered four weeks prior coaching by RFU Community Coaches Duncan Burgess, Andy Rock and Gary Pigeon, RGS hold off brave Truro for fourth U15 Cup helping produce some top-class, competitive rugby. The sevens full contact competition saw skilful displays from every preserving his side’s unbeaten record, set number Chris Hanson halved the deficit RGS, High Wycombe won the U15 Daily team, with winners Netherside Hall/Upper Whafedale finishing off on a scything run through RGS tackles almost immediately. Hanson slotted an Mail RBS Cup for the fourth time after a unbeaten. In the tag section the teams were split into two pools, to set up his fellow centre and Exeter Chiefs equalising penalty in the 20th minute thrilling late fight back from Truro School with Mowbray coming out on top in Pool 1 and Forest narrowly Academy player Tom Holdsworth for another before Solihull’s No.8 and captain Conor and squeezing past the Cornishmen 17-15. topping Pool 2, going through on the number of tries scored due to five-pointer and a grandstand finish. Despite Joyce was yellow-carded for persistent RGS dominated in the opening exchanges, a three-way tie for top spot. Mowbray emerged victorious after a 6-4 Truro working their way from 22 to 22, RGS infringement. St. George’s Hanson nailed with Ewan Gillespie missing a penalty shot win and like, Netherside/Wharfedale, remained unbeaten throughout. held strong and regained the trophy that a penalty to hand his side the lead. And on five minutes, and the Buckinghamshire The young people had a fabulous day, coaching in the morning they last lifted in 1998. Rodman restored parity with his third side proceeded to cross the whitewash session enabling them to put newly-acquired skills into practice. penalty just before half time. on four occasions, only to be held The event has gone from strength to strength over the last Solihull’s centre Winter rounded up each time. It took until the four years and is one of 20 events organised and run by the the St. George’s defence six 20th minute for RGS to score, SportsSpecial and Ebor School Sports partnerships for young people minutes into the second half, as open-side flanker Alexander with special educational needs. Rodman adding the conversion Murphy collected skipper Jack The SportsSpecial SSP is currently looking for a sponsor for this making it 16-9. Hanson pushed Statham’s well timed pass to break hugely successful events calendar. Further details from Partnership a penalty wide on 46 minutes, a seemingly impermeable Truro Development Manager Sally Evans at and just 60 seconds later, Winter defence and dart over in the corner. [email protected] RGS extended their lead to 12 pounced on a wayward St. George’s points five minutes later when Ross pass and scorched under the posts Neal barged over after Louis Pow’s for a try converted by Rodman. Young Oaks Flourish strong carry. Truro forced a penalty After a sustained spell of Tom Somerville after a spell of possession in the possession St. George’s England U18 full back Anthony Watson RGS half, which captain Ned Warne It’s often tough for new arrivals at school to stand out, went over for an unconverted score. His slotted from 40 metres to make the score Solihull’s first Twickenham silverware but the current Year 8 rugby team at Oakland Catholic School, team seemed on the brink of staging 12-3 at the break. in Hampshire, certainly did that last season and have continued a recovery when scrum half Eoghan RGS scored their third try three minutes A brace of tries from Alex Winter helped building on their excellent performances. The team are currently Sweeney strolled in under the posts after after the restart through Jonty Cook but. Solihull School to their first ever U18 Daily undefeated in two seasons and have picked up along the way the Matt Bennett’s clean break, Hanson kicked Truro, who had never lost in their four Mail RBS Vase victory as they overcame a Perrins 7s tournament honours, the Hampshire Collegiate Plate, the extra two points to make the score seasons as a team, managed to stem the spirited St. George’s College, Weybridge and been undefeated in the South East Hants League. 23-21. However, Solihull replacement Jack flow as a battle of attrition commenced. side 28-21. The success and enthusiasm of the team in Year 7 encouraged Hobbs’ try in the last play of the match Replacement Aidan Maskell’s try with just Fly half Max Rodman secured a penalty more boys along to training and now the squad train twice a ensured that his side would to the take over two minutes remaining, reduced Truro’s on 11 minutes and then doubled Solihull’s week, and have arranged fixtures against local private schools the trophy home. arrears to nine points. Ned Warne, intent on tally four minutes later, but his opposite to take on more challenging opponents. Many also turn out for Havant RFC or Portsmouth RFC. Team coach Freddie Wood Saffron Walden U15 Vase victory says,“The team’s passion and commitment has brought them a great deal of success and they really promote the values of rugby.” Saffron Walden County High School put on a superb Saffron full back Hamish Richie scored his side’s fourth try just 42 exhibition of attacking rugby claiming the U15 Daily Mail RBS Vase seconds into the second half but Harrogate’s Toby Hall bludgeoned courtesy of a 32-14 win over Harrogate Grammar School. his way over the whitewash to offer the Yorkshiremen faint hope, The Essex side’s centre Dan Procter crossed for a try converted with James Finney adding the extras for a 25-7 score. by Ivan Karsten on 12 minutes. Karsten extended Saffron With seven minutes left, Harrogate’s Finney scored and converted Walden’s lead to 10 points five minutes later with a penalty, a solo effort from 80 metres but two minutes from time Saffron’s before captain Ed Low embarked on a 60-metre dash to make Sam McReynolds galloped down the left wing from halfway the score 15-0. Wing Joyal Gurung went over in the corner on and touched down for five points that, along with Oli Bennett’s the stroke of half time. conversion, sealed a deserved victory.

8 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 Schools

King’s have all the Aces

The Junior King’s Canterbury 1st XV squad celebrated an unbeaten season in their regular fixtures list, reached the last four in the National Prep Schools Rugby Tournament in March and won The Foster Cup, the annual 7s competition for prep school teams across Kent. Their successful season saw King’s concede just 56 points and score a school-record breaking 528 points. Andy Jamieson, Director of Sport at Junior King’s said: “It was not just the fact the team won all of our inter school fixtures, it was the nature of those victories. Rarely did we score fewer than 40 points and often pushed scores into the 50s even against larger schools.”

East Yorks Schools Skinners’ South Africa Tour Just Reward Skinners’ Under 14 rugby squad have had another great away to Kings Canterbury, 58-0. Try Fest season. In years 7 and 8 they recorded wins against the likes of The final against a spirited Dulwich side brought the Skinners’ side Tony Simpson Whitgift, Dulwich, Dartford, Eastbourne and Judd, achieving two their first taste of defeat but also determination to return next time to years undefeated..This season saw them enter the Kent Cup for the secure the silverware. Year 9 was a tough season but saw some of the WITH over 300 players and 19 teams from across four first time. With some new opposition and some old ones to face, squad’s best rugby. Touring South Africa in July promises a great end divisions, the East Yorks Emerging Schools finals at Driffield RFC the team reached the finals with an outstanding win in the semis to the season and reward for their commitment. comprised Year 7, 8, 9 and 10s playing entertaining rugby. Wolfreton School won the Year 7 competition with some clinical displays; South Hunsley School claimed victory in the Year 8 competition with an amazing points difference of plus 171 from North Schools at Sevens and Tens three games; Driffield School came from behind in a tense final game with Winifred Holtby to finish top of the table for the Year Tony Simpson Durham School had a close tussle before 9s and Cottingham School were proud winners of the Year 10 the East Yorkshire side got home 21-17. competition having not conceded a point. ELLESMERE College from Both finalists had comfortable semi-final “The event showcased rugby union as an exciting sport to play Shropshire carried off the honours at this successes, Ampleforth beating King’s and watch.” said Community Rugby Coach Patrick Tasker: “The season’s 23rd North of England Sevens at Macclesfield 26-0 and Durham enjoying a schools, teachers and volunteers made it the most successful Birkenhead Park, while Filton College from 42-19 victory over Stonyhurst. tournament to date.” Bristol emerged victorious at the Sedbergh In the women’s section, Giggleswick Tens event. On Merseyside, 40 teams took carried off the trophy by beating King’s part and quality sevens was the order of School Macclesfield. the day. Sedbergh had a field of 16 teams for Ellesmere qualified for the final with a their annual 10s tournament, with Filton 12-5 win over Hymers College from Hull, and Barnard Castle meeting in the final while Bromsgrove had a more emphatic after both teams emerged unbeaten from 34-5 semi-final victory over Kings School their group matches. Filton took the final Worcester. Ellesmere then went on to take 24-12, while the Plate went to King’s the Bowring Trophy winning the final 22-5. School, Macclesfield, who beat Manchester In the Plate section, Ampleforth and Grammar 35-0 in the final. East Yorkshire Schools celebrate en masse

Park Community School’s Girls rugby in London North schools Winning Ways The first stand-alone festival for girls’ schools rugby and participation as 25 schools comprising around 375 Tony Simpson in the London North region was a great success attracting players played in eight matches each. The number of girls almost 400 young players to Bishop’s Stortford RFC, where playing more than doubled the previous year’s event held PARK Community School from Barnstaple in Devon they met England Women’s Maggie Alphonsi and England A alongside a boys’ competition. had their names inscribed on the South West Division Schools fly half Sarah McKenna. In the Shield final Acton High were edged out by Breckland Union U14 Non Selective State Schools Championship trophy The festival for Year 7 and 8 girls, from around Essex, School, while in the Trophy the other finalists were William for the first time after beating Theale Green Community School, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and Eastern Counties showed Edwards from Grays in Essex. Presdales went on to an from Reading in Berkshire.. the growing level of interest in the area. Presdales exciting nationwide get-together at Twickenham Stadium The Southern SW Divisional Festival was held at North School won the Trophy in the main competition and before the Army v Navy match, playing against schools from Petherton RFC where the County Champions of Cornwall Breckland won the Shield but the emphasis was on fun seven other regions. (Penryn School), Devon (Park School), Somerset (Priory), Bristol (Castle School) and Gloucestershire (Farmors School) were in competition. Park clinched a place in the final against the Northern festival winners. That Festival took place at Cokethorpe School, where Berkshire (Theale Green), Bucks (Beaconsfield), Oxfordshire (Marlborough) and Dorset/Wilts (Gryphon) contested the honours with Theale Green emerging victorious. The fifth final of the competition at the University of Bristol Sports Ground ended with a new name on the trophy when a powerful finish in the last quarter by Park proved conclusive.

Maggie Alphonsi, England Women’s flanker and London & South East talent development officer, with some of the girls.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 9 students Unbeaten Leeds Met Carnegie win Durham take the honours in BUCS title BUCS men’s Final Last year’s runners Durham and UWIC up, Leeds Met Carnegie played out an epic BUCS final women’s team secured the encounter at Twickenham with BUCS Championship title a very open game only decided at Twickenham Stadium by a last minute penalty. It defeating Exeter 34 – 5 was Durham who prevailed Leeds Met won a penalty in with the final score 23-22. the first two minutes, the kick UWIC struck first from a from Jana Evans unsuccessful, penalty. After missing his first but only 60 seconds later she attempt, Rhys Roberts stepped touched down for the first up to convert after Durham try. Emily Ferry then doubled had come in from the side. Leeds Met’s advantage with Durham hit back, scoring the a well taken try in the 10th first try in the 12th minute minute, Evans adding the through Guy Sears, converted extras. Leeds Met’s third try by Mike Ward. came in the 34th minute, with Only two minutes later UWIC Rose Jay handing off three Leeds Met Carnegie celebrate retaliated with another penalty Durham delighted defenders to touch down in from Roberts, followed by a the corner, making it 17-0 at the break. Met back to their own try line and would have try after a great solo run by Dan Bibby. The game back to eight points, after a deliberate knock-on Two minutes into the second half Leeds Met scored but for a knock-on. In the next ten swung back in Durham’s favour as David Haigh by a UWIC defender. With only nine minutes left, extended the lead with a try from Claire Garner minutes Exeter tested Leeds Met’s defence with scored Durham’s second try, bringing the score to UWIC looked to have scored the winning try but after some great work from Jay, before England’s some strong play and rewarded when Donna Durham 12 – 11 UWIC. UWIC took the lead as play was brought back to the half way line for a Emily Scarratt, added her name to the scoresheet Downes broke through to score under the posts. Nick Halse and Josh Jacas scored two quick tries, knock-on. Durham capitalised , bringing the game with a superb solo try. Vicki Pinks took the score The final whistle saw Leeds Met taking home the latter converted by Roberts to bring the game back to within one point as captain Rob Malaney to 32-0 as Leeds Met started to run away with the silverware and ending the BUCS season as to 12 - 23 in UWIC’s favour at half time. scored under the posts, converted by Alex the game, Claire Garner converting. Champions, Northern Premier League winners Durham took the first points of the second half Graham. Graham scored a last minute penalty to Exeter came into the game pushing Leeds and unbeaten throughout the campaign. with a penalty by Mike Ward, bringing the gap take honours for Durham.

Student Sevens Tony Simpson Hartpury Retain AASE Title Stefan Curtis “It’s always tough to LEEDS lose any match, but to University took Hartpury lose a final hurts that the women’s College defended little bit more. Having honours and their Advanced lost with England Newcastle Apprenticeship in U18 against Ireland University were Sporting Excellence in the FIRA/AER men’s winners (AASE) League title Championship final a when the British this season, after few days before – it’s Universities beating Oaklands been a pretty tough & Colleges College 25-13 in the week, but hopefully Sport RU final at Twickenham on it will make me a Sevens regional April 27. stronger person and a qualifying The Gloucestershire better player. competition was school, who last year Jubb added: “It was held recently at featured current a amazing to play at the University of Northumbria’s Bullocksteads ground. England U20 regulars Ryan Mills and England U18 and Oaklands lock Twickenham though, and running out Also qualifying for the National BUCS finals, to be held at Dan Robson, looked in control of the Tom Jubb said after the match of the tunnel was awesome. Credit to Preston Grasshoppers in May were Durham Men’s team and match throughout, while Oaklands that playing at Twickenham was Hartpury as well, they’re a great team Newcastle Women’s team, who finished runners-up in the were left to rue several missed a memorable experience, despite and finished top of the league table, regional finals. penalties early on. the result: so you can’t begrudge them the win.” IPF Spring Gleaning Virgin London Marathon 2012 On Their Bikes for Injured Players Paul Bolton Why not join the IPF Rugby Runners team and take part in the world’s Spring has brought with it a growing greatest marathon in the year of the London Olympics. Visit www.rfuipf.org. Midlands rugby players will be cycling 3,500 miles down number fundraising events for the Injured uk for more information about all the races you can take part in for IPF. Two Players Foundation, as the rugby community the west coast of America from Vancouver to Mexico this summer enjoys some fun in the sun for the IPF. Cup winner Phil Vickery MBE will be to raise money for the RFU Injured Players Foundation. Among the fundraisers have been: £10,000 Sign Up Now! leading the pack on the 5-day 330-mile Thomas Morris and Adam Wood, both former students at from the RBS 6 Nations match, when the IPF York University, want to complete the gruelling ride in 32 days Great British Bike Ride – July 5-9 challenge, so why not join him and was the official match charity; £3,000 from calling in at rugby clubs along the way. They aim to raise £2,500 Have you got what it takes to ride cycle to the Home of England Rugby? Didcot RFC’s Martin Llewellyn Memorial Cup from the ride inspired by Ben Smoldon, one of the IPF clients, from Land’s End to Twickenham *Rugby Club Special Offer* – Enter a game, with IPF Ambassador XV captain Bill who suffered a serious injuries playing for Sutton Coldfield Beaumont in attendance; and £820 From the Stadium where you’ll receive the team of four and pay for only 3 – Colts in 1991. IPF’s Dr Mike England (below Right), who with appreciation of thousands of rugby Visit www.rfuipf.org.uk for more Smoldon has remained an inspirational figure at Sutton his brother David canoed 120 miles non-stop fans at the Middlesex 7s? Rugby World information Coldfield, Morris’s own club and his elder brother Simon will from Devizes to Westminster. greet the cyclists when they arrive at the Burnaby Lake club in Coming Soon! Vancouver. Some intrepid fundraisers are taking on big challenges for the IPF. IPF Ambassador “Ben is still at the heart of everything that goes on at Sutton,” and Bath rugby legend Dave Barnes is leading his trek team up Mt Kilimanjaro,. Bikes Morris said. “I got chatting to him about all the good work that are back with two Sutton Coldfield players cycling 3,500miles from Canada to Mexico, the RFU Injured Players Foundation does and decided to help. calling at clubs on the way . Dominic Webster is taking on the National 3 Peaks and I’m off to medical school in September, Adam is at law school in walking the 500 miles between them as well! And Ilkeston RFC are aiming to get 30 Nottingham so we both have a bit of spare time.” club members around the 3 Peaks in 24 hours. Add to this Brockworth RFC’s fundraising To promote their charity ride Morris was cycling to four rugby day on 29 May and Harpenden RFC choosing the IPF as their charity of the year and clubs around Sutton Coldfield and north Birmingham, starting Spring has certainly sprung for the IPF. at Sutton and taking in Spartans RFC, Aston OE and Veseyans. If you or your club want to fundraise for the RFU Injured Players Foundation Details about the charity ride are available at: www. please contact Ian at [email protected] or sign up for the enews letter listing ruckingandrolling.blogspot.com and donations can be made at: events at www.rfuipf.org.uk www.justgiving.com/Thomas-Morris1

10 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 Championship Championship Clubs Encouraged To Produce England Players Nicol McClelland RFU Chief Executive John Steele added: Championship structure 2011-12 “We recognise that these are hard economic Stage 1 of 22 weeks starting September 3, 2011 RFU CHAMPIONSHIP clubs will, from times for all rugby clubs which is why, in the Stage 2 play-offs of 6 weeks for top eight and next season, be funded only for producing absence of a sponsor, despite ours and the bottom four English Qualified Players. club’s own efforts to secure one, we have 1 reserve weekend for postponed matches The scheme, similar to that in the Aviva agreed to support the RFU Championship 1 blank weekend between Stage 1 Round 22 and Premiership, will see the 12 clubs receive with additional funding. play-off Round 1 their share of £2.3m from the Rugby “This means that the RFU is now Semi-finals staged over 2 legs Football Union if they have an average of delivering all the investment promised in Final staged over two legs 14 EQPs in their 22-man match day squad the original agreement and we hope that British & Irish Cup structure 2011-12 over the season. This will rise to 15 in 2012- this, along with the additional money from Played over 7 weekends 13 and 16 in 2013-14. Sky’s coverage, and the increased exposure Structure to follow LV= Cup format i.e. 6 pools of In addition, the clubs will receive a that brings, will help clubs to develop their 4 teams and each team will play the 4 teams of further payment under the terms of businesses.” their neighbouring pool giving 4 pool matches (2 the eight-year RFU agreement with the The structure for the 2011-12 season has home, 2 away) PRL, funding from the RFU under its also been agreed with the clubs to continue five-year broadcasting agreement with with the current play off structure. The Each pool to consist of 2 RFU Championship Sky, while the RFU will also under-write season will kick off on the weekend of clubs, 1 Welsh Principality club, 1 Irish province or £250,000 worth of sponsorship for the September 3 and include a two-legged semi Scottish club Championship clubs while continuing to final for the first time. assist in finding a sponsor for the league. The British & Irish Cup structure has All-Championship ties played mid-week In total, the RFU Championship clubs will also been agreed with the Welsh, Scottish Quarter-finalists will be 6 pool winners plus 2 best receive over £300,000 in central funding and Irish unions which will see six pools of runners-up on top of their own revenue streams and four teams play across groups in the same Semi-finals staged over 1 leg sponsorship investments. format as the LV= Cup. Final staged over 1 leg

cbs Butts Girls Lead by Example Ashton shedding light in Paul Bolton Lancashire Warwickshire are Tony Simpson expanding a successful pilot scheme in Coventry encouraging BRIAN Ashton’s reputation girls to take up rugby to other has not diminished since parts of the county. he returned to his roots in Ant Collins and Dan Osleton, Lancashire and Fylde RFC. His two of Warwickshire’s Ansdell colleague Mark Nelson, Community Rugby Coaches, set who heads up the Lancashire up a girls’ team at the Barkers’ County Development Centre Butts club to encourage girls in Project, has not been slow Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 to continue to draw on that world-class playing rugby. resource. A series of seminars The scheme has been so was held recently at Blackburn successful that Barkers’ Butts RUFC, with head coaches now compete in the Midlands from Sedgley Park, Liverpool West Girls Tag League St Helens, Waterloo, Preston alongside Earlsdon, Bournville, Old Yardleians, coaching and entering the Tag League to give Grasshoppers, Fleetwood, Trafford MV, Wigan and Blackburn listening to Ashton’s rugby Old Saltleians, Kenilworth and Shipston-on-Stour. them fixtures. It’s been a huge success and Ant philosophy and revealing their own ideas. A similar pilot scheme will start in Rugby at Old and Dan are now rolling out a similar programme “We had senior coaches from our clubs and county representative teams for what proved Laurentians RFC, providing rugby for girls who in Rugby.” to be a very stimulating evening.” said Nelson: “The feedback has been fantastic. Brian has have been introduced to tag in school. The Barkers’ Butts team have been provided a clarity of vision about the game and the ability to deliver that vision to the players. This is “There are lots of tag programmes running in with shirts through a sponsorship deal with GJ key to taking the game forward in the county and this event is a positive step.” schools in Coventry but few girls teams at clubs,” McCabe Ltd, a local firm of bar fitters, shop fitters England Counties forward coach Dave Baldwin added, “The session engaged all the said Mark Richardson, Warwickshire Rugby and joinery contractors, and the generosity of coaches with lot of interaction. Brian didn’t simply talk to us and ask questions – he Development Officer. “Rather than having teams parents Kevin and Marie McGullion. The majority invited us to think for ourselves about a range of topics. Thought-provoking is a good starting up here and there we decided to put in of players come from the Cardinal Newman, description of what Brian brings to a discussion.” some structure and aim for continuity by setting Nicholas Chamberlain, St John’s Junior School and up the team at Barkers’Butts, providing quality Christ the King Junior schools. Sheffield U19s Cling to Victory Tony Simpson

SHEFFIELD RUFC U19s had a few anxious moments before time ran out on their challengers Old Brodleians, from Hipperholme near Halifax, in the final of the Yorkshire Under 19 Cup. The Abbeydale side emerged 23-18 winners, but their visitors clawed their way back from a 23-6 deficit in the final quarter.. Man-of-the-match went to Sheffield full-back Henry Bradshaw-Smith, who fielded high balls superbly all day, using that possession to maximum effect. Centre and captain Liam Wallace also earned a mention in despatches for his excellent cover defence and organisational skills.

TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011 11 RFUW REFEREES

New Age Look to London for Better Referees Band for Hugh Godwin which they are attached. Becoming been supportive with England’s Girls Rugby a referee enables people to stay top Test referee Wayne Barnes The London & South East involved with the game they love visiting to speak to the section From September 1st 2011 region swept the board in the and helps everyone understand the and Turnill running practical the RFUW will introduce a Better Referees category of the game better.” sessions at the club’s ground. new Under 13s age band for 2011 RFU President’s XV awards.. Ealing have carried on building Barnes also presented the girls’ rugby to provide more Ealing Trailfinders RFC, from on their ground-breaking success runners-up award to Chobham, competitive and constructive Middlesex, won the top Better and this year have got more who established a club referee rugby for girls under the Under Referees prize of £500 and a young people involved with a section under their own steam 15s age bracket. after extensive trophy with Chobham RFC, special course for 14 to 16 year and run their own referee research and consultation Surrey, and Rosslyn Park FC old referees. Rosslyn Park are in education sessions led by James throughout the game. , Roehampton, the runners- their second season with a club Davies, the CRefC, with the Richmond Previously, Under 15s and up. Each has a Club Referee referee section. Club Referee support of director of rugby and Under 18s age bands were Co-ordinator (CRefC), and between Co-ordinator Jason Hunter, who referee, Harry Norman-Walker. Ladies Crowned introduced in 2007/2008 to them they have developed dozens has a son playing at Rosslyn “There isn’t a big club Premiership increase players at youth of referees to look after mini, Park, started out by wanting that wouldn’t benefit from level and provide sufficient youth and senior rugby. to qualify as a referee to stay having an active Club Referee champions competitive outlets. Since then Ed Turnill, the RFU’s Referee involved with rugby and keep Co-ordinator,” said Turnill. We the game has developed with Development Manager in London, fit. He joined the London Society have now begun using Ealing as Richmond Ladies were crowned RFUW more girls playing rugby. Minor is delighted at the region’s three years ago and consulted a coaching centre for referees Premiership champions for the second successive amendments have been made recognition in the awards, Ealing’s Pete Paterson on setting not attached to the club and I season.The London club won 1 3 of their 14 to accommodate changes within supported by QBE, the specialist up a club section. The RFU has am hopeful that the other clubs Premiership clashes, losing their only match in their the schools environment and the business insurers. “The RFU are out there with huge mini and last outing of the season against Lichfield. need to develop competitions determined to improve the quality youth sections will soon take a Richmond, who boast an array of international stars for girls. However, several of experience at rugby clubs, and similarly positive approach to including England’s Becky Essex, Rachael Burford and Under 15s age bands were still refereeing has a big part to play refereeing.” Rowena Burnfield, clinched the title ahead of Wasps who struggling for numbers, reflected in that,” said Turnill.“Having a PresXV2011_RossPkreferee: Ed were 11 points adrift after the final rounds of games. by more clustering of clubs qualified referee who understands Turnill and Dave Broadwell, RFU Meanwhile Lichfield’s surprise 5-33 victory elevated and a lack of players in many the game and knows the laws is referee development managers, them to a third place finish in the table. Constituency Body squads. particularly important to players present Rosslyn Park FC’s club Richmond Head Coach Karen Findlay said: “This The RFUW are confident that at a young age. referees’ section with their has been a great season – we didn’t want to be one hit introducing the new Under “Refereeing has so many runners-up prize in the 2011 RFU wonders! And it has been tough because we were coming 13s age band will provide girls benefits, both to the individuals Club referee co-ordinator Jason President’s Xv Awards, Better into the season on the back of the Women’s Rugby World with a better development who take it up and to the clubs to Hunter receiving the Trophy Referees category. Cup and we had a lot of injuries from that. route, reduce the perception “However, the squad have done a fantastic job. All the players have really stood up and I couldn’t have asked English Refs for Young Refs for more from them. The women’s premiership is at a fantastic level now and every weekend has been really Rugby World Cup Take Charge tough, so for us to win the title for a second season is a WAYNE BARNES and Dave Pearson will referee real testament to this squad.” at the Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand in Seven young referees from At the other end of the Premiership Old Albanians September and October. They are included in a the London Society Academy whistled fought off Bath Ladies in the RFUW Premiership play- panel of 10 referees for the 48 matches and will at the HSBC Rosslyn Park National off match. Bath were hoping to take the next step up be joined by assistant referee Stuart Terheege and Schools 7s in April. Aged between 14 the league ladder after winning the North versus South television match official Graham Hughes. and 19, they took charge of matches Championship 1 clash but they were unable to topple RFU Head of Elite Referee Development Ed throughout the tournament, which saw Old Albanians who triumphed 22-7. Morrison said: “I am delighted for all of them. They more than 7,000 under-13 to under-18 deserve enormous recognition for their hard work players from more than 500 schools and of size differentials as well as and dedication. It is credit to the Elite Referee Unit colleges playing. encouraging girls to stay in overall that they have been chosen alongside such Coached and mentored by senior the game. This is especially a select group of officials. No man is an island and members of the London Society, they important with the popularity of they have all had great support from everyone all helped make the competition a tag rugby in primary schools. within the team.” great success. Ed Turnill, the Referee David Rose, the RFUW’s Before RWC 2011 Barnes will referee Scotland v Development Manager for London, Head of Development, said: Ireland at Murrayfield on August 6 and Australia v said: “This was a great opportunity “The RFUW is committed New Zealand at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to increase their experience of rugby Touchline to developing as many on August 27 while Pearson will officiate at the and they all rose to the challenge well, Editorial input with jpeg pictures to: opportunities as possible for girls Churchill Cup to be played in England during June refereeing with great composure.” Touchline Editor, Patricia Mowbray to play rugby. We have taken Email: [email protected] and referee the Scotland v Italy game to be played The six young men and one young notice of the feedback received Direct Line: 0208 831 6514 on August 20. Fellow RFU officials Greg Garner woman received encouraging from schools and clubs and this and JP Doyle will officiate at the IRB Junior World feedback from their peers, tournament Correspondence to: has resulted in the new age Patricia Mowbray, Touchline Editor, Rugby Football Union, Championship in June and Andrew Small at the organisers and competing schools. band. The Under 13s age band Rugby House, Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Nations Cup in Romania. Terheege is one of seven It’s hoped that the players at the event Twickenham TW2 7BA. will assist in girls making the specialist Assistant Referees selected who will assist might consider taking up the whistle transition from primary schools Mailing and Distribution: Enquiries or updates during the tournament’s pool stages. Hughes is one having seen the young referees on duty. where tag is a hugely popular Email: [email protected] of four highly experienced television match officials. To find out more about refereeing visit Tel: 0208 831 6762 game for girls. We are excited Barnes and Pearson will be joined in New www.rfu.com/takingpart/referee or about the opportunities the Touchline is published by PPL Sport, on behalf of the Rugby Zealand by Ireland’s George Clancy, who will www.londonrugby.com additional age band will provide Football Union, the national governing body of the game in take charge of the opening match between England. the RFUW to further develop hosts New Zealand and Tonga at Eden Park on Also available on the RFU website: rfu.com participation.” September 9, Alain Rolland (Ireland), France’s To make the age band change, Photography courtesy of Getty and Touchline contributors. Romain Poite, New Zealand’s Bryce Lawrence, Thanks to all individuals, clubs, schools and CBs for contributions. coaching and teacher training South Africa’s Craig Joubert and Jonathan Kaplan, will be delivered by the RFU’s No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission Nigel Owens of Wales and Australia’s Steve Walsh. of the RFU. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the RFU or coaching department and PPL Sport. While every care has been taken to ensure accuracy of editorial The appointments for the 40 Pool matches will distribution will be through the content, no responsibility can be taken for errors and/or omissions. All be announced in August while appointments for trademarks are acknowledged as the property of their respective owners. RFU delivery teams, English the knock-out matches will follow a performance © 2009. Rugby Football Union. The England Rose is an official trademark Schools Union and County of the Rugby Football Union and is the subject of extensive trade mark review after the pool phase when 10 of the 21 Schools Union, together with registration worldwide. match officials will be retained. supportive resource material.

The Rugby Football Union wishes to express its gratitude to the following who generously support the game in England

12 TOUCHLINE – MAY 2011